#overview
#principles
#jobs
––– The Challenge
2026 at a glance
From Prototype
to Product
Do you have an innovative hardware product – and need the right infrastructure for the final step into pre-production? Then the EBK Start-up Challenge 2026 is exactly what you're looking for. We're seeking ambitious teams with vision and a technical focus who are ready to bring their product to market with us.
Secure 6 months of free production power, developer know-how and real market access – directly from EBK Krüger in Berlin.
Main Facts:
For hardware startups with proof of concept
Goal: Prototype for pre-production run
Applications accepted from Q3/2026
Industrial manufacturing
From prototype to first pre-production series. Access to real industrial manufacturing – directly on the production line.
Product optimization
Exchange with experts from production, business development and data analytics to optimize your product.
Production and process development
Development of a cost-optimized production process with the support of experienced developers, technicians and engineers.
Co-working
On-site office workspace in Berlin Adlershof.
Network access
Visibility in a strong innovation environment.
No participation fee
No participation fee or surrender of company shares.
A genuine partnership offer.
––– What we are looking for
We hope that the EBK Start-up Challenge will foster a trusting, long-term partnership that can develop organically along the way. We see the ideal match for a true win-win situation in the following constellation – therefore, our funding program is aimed at these start-ups:
prototype or
Proof of Concept
Start-ups with a working prototype or proof of concept
Convincing alignment
Start-ups with a clear vision and real market need
First corporate structure
Start-ups with an initial entrepreneurial structure (in the process of being founded or newly founded)
Hardware industry
Start-ups focusing on hardware, IoT, sensors, robotics, automation or similar areas
––– Challenge procedure
Four steps, one clear goal: to bring your prototype into industrial series production:
Submit your pitch deck, team information and a short project description conveniently online.
Brief project description
Information about the founding team
Status of the product (proof of concept etc.)
Pitch deck upload (max. 15 slides)
Optional: Short video or tech demo link
Our team of experts reviews all submissions and creates a shortlist of the most exciting hardware start-ups.
Evaluation according to fixed criteria:
Degree of innovation
Technical feasibility
Market potential
Team competence
Fit with the EBK setup (production, engineering, network)
The finalists present their idea to the jury – live on site or digitally. The jury then selects the winning team.
10-15 minute pitch per start-up in front of a jury (including Q&A)
On-site discussions with engineering & manufacturing (feasibility assessment)
Networking evening or get-together for maintaining contacts
The jury will select a winning team and possibly finalists for later funding.
The winning team works directly with EBK on achieving production readiness and small-scale production – with access to infrastructure, know-how and network.
Within six months, you should make your product market-ready and transfer it into a first small series – with real feedback, real customers and maybe even a follow-up order from EBK.
We want our location to become a magnet for smart hardware startups. And you are the beginning.
––– Your contact person
Getting started without detours?
Apply now!
CONTACT
EBK Krüger GmbH & Co. KG
Groß-Berliner Damm 99
12487 Berlin
COMPANY
CONTACT
EBK Krüger GmbH & Co. KG
Groß-Berliner Damm 99
12487 Berlin
––– Working at the EBK Group
In a world that is spinning ever faster, we offer meaning , stability , community and, of course, diversity .
Here you will find:
A meaningful job where you contribute to the longevity and innovative power of products.
a stable working environment where reliability is practiced every day.
a community-oriented team where work remains a human interaction amidst constant change.
Space for different lifestyles , as diverse as the people who make Berlin this cosmopolitan city.